Overview

BEFORE SETTING OFF from Kyleakin, set your SATnav to IV40 8DX, (this is for DONAN House) We crossed the Skye Bridge and drove along the A87 on the coast road of the Strait of Kyle Akin for about 10 miles to reach EILEAN DONAN castle, but we suggest a slight detour to go above the castle for an excellent view from the EILEAN DONAN viewpoint. Of course, if you stay on the A87 you can also see EILEAN DONAN castle, but this will be a loch side view, very nice view as well, so if this is your choice, stay on A87 after having crossed the bridge which connects Loch Long to Loch Duilch, just a few hundred yards later, you will see the BROWN SIGNPOST for EILEAN DONAN castle. However, for our detour ( IMMEDIATELY AFTER CROSSING THE LOCH LONG bridge, at the end of the grey metal barriers, and start of dual carriageway, TURN LEFT on the signpost for “An Dornaidh, DORME” Follow this road until you reach the signpost for Carr Brae viewpoint, it’s just before the Dornie Hotel ahead, and TURN RIGHT on this signpost. Follow this narrow country lane until you reach the tree lined area, and then on your left you will see a small pull in. Park here, and walk a few steps to glance over to your RIGHT for the lovely overhead view of the castle way below you. EILEAN DONAN CASTLE EILEAN DONAN, or the island of DONAN was probably named after the 6th century Irish Saint, Bishop DONAN, who came to Scotland around 580ad. The first fortified structure was not actually built on the island, but it was a defence against the Viking attacks, who raided and controlled much of the north of Scotland and the western isles between 800 and 1266. In the 13th century, t he castle was built by Kenneth Mackenzie, and over the centuries, it has expanded, or contracted, in size, which is believed to be due to the amount of men needed to protect the castle. It also played a part in the Jacobite risings of the 17th/18th century which caused it to be destroyed. For 200 years it lay a ruin until 1911 when Lt Colonal John Macrea-Gilstrap restored it over the next 20 years, until completed by July 1932. FOR MORE DETAILS read www.eileandonancastle.com ====================================================== SET YOUR SATnav now for REDBURN cafe, Glenmoriston, Inverness. IV63 7YL It will take just about 45 minutes to get to the cafe. ====================================================== If you want to, and you turn around on this pull in, very small mind you, and go back to the A87, and turning LEFT you can then follow directions above on the A87 to see the castle on the Loch viewpoint. But we suggest you stay ahead on this narrow country lane So, continue along this narrow country lane and you will be rewarded by beautiful views over Loch Duich, and open Mountain View’s, (well worth this detour) you will also pass the Carr Brae viewpoint, another excellent photo opportunity. This route is only of a few miles detour before you again arrive at the A87, and turning left, you will follow this main A87 road for 36 miles, a 45 minute drive, to arrive at the Redburn cafe, for a quick stop. REDBURN CAFE We reached the cafe, fast becoming well known, on the A887, near to Glenmoriston, Inverness, a popular stop for mini coach drivers, but not just for the cafe, but also to see the Highland cattle that are kept here on a field right across the road from the cafe, and looking over the field gate, you can see these beautiful and famous breed of cattle SEE OUR PHOTOS. FOR MORE DETAILS read. www.tripadvisor.co.uk/redburncafe HIGHLAND CATTLE Our photos show two animals that belong to the mainland Highland cattle, originally kept in the highlands for its milk and meat, and records began to be kept from 1885 for this group known as a “Fold” not as a herd as are normally called, due to the breed originally being kept outside in open shelters of stone called folds, in which they could be given protection overnight. They all have long horns, usually a double thick coat of hair, the outside hairs are the longest of all cattle breeds, ideal for Scottish winds and weathers of lots of rain. They are known to be docile good natured animals, and their meat is said to be very tender and learner than most breeds. They can digest the poorest of pastures as they will eat just about everything available. ================================================== SET YOUR SAT nav now for. FORT AUGUSTUS. PH32 4BA. It will be around a 20 minute drive after leaving Redburn Cafe to reach Fort Augustus. ==================================================

Transport & Parking

Most of today will be spent on the bus or your car, but there are places you can stop at for drinks and toilets.

Access

Toilets

Staff

Photos